10 Grammatical Errors You're Probably Making

By Marcus T. • May 07, 2024

Navigating the English language can feel like walking through a minefield of grammatical errors. English grammar, with its vast array of rules and exceptions, can feel like a labyrinth even to the most experienced writers. Here's a quick rundown of 10 of the most common mistakes that could have the grammar police knocking on your door.

1. Your vs. You're

The classic mistake of confusing "your" (possessive pronoun) with "you're" (contraction for "you are") can change the meaning of a sentence and confound readers. For example:

Incorrect: "I need you're location before you leave."
Correct: "You're taking your sister to school, right?"

2. To vs. Too

Mixing up "to" (preposition or part of an infinitive verb) with "too" (meaning also or excessively) is a blunder that can easily be avoided with a bit of attention. For example:

Incorrect: "We are going too the park before it gets to hot."
Correct: "I need to let my boss know I have too much on my plate."

3. There, Their, They're

These homophones trip many writers up, confusing place (there), possession (their), and the contraction for "they are" (they're). For example:

Incorrect: "If there going over to they're house to pick up Claire their won't be enough time."
Correct: "There is not enough time for their presentation before they're due at the airport."

4. Affect vs. Effect

Another common mix-up occurs between "affect" (verb, meaning to influence) and "effect" (noun, meaning the result). For example:

Incorrect: "The new tax law will effect a major change in how businesses operate."
Correct: "The new tax law will affect a major change in how businesses operate."

5. Who vs. Whom vs. Whose vs. Who's

"Who" identifies a subject performing an action, "whom" refers to the object of a verb or preposition, "whose" denotes ownership, and "who's" is a contraction for "who is" or "who has," each serving a distinct role in English grammar to clarify subjects, objects, possession, and contractions in sentences. For example:

Incorrect: "Whose driving us to who's house? We need to know whom will drive on their own."
Correct: "To whom was the letter addressed? We need to know who's reaching out so we know whose mailbox to deliver it to."

6. Incorrect Apostrophe Use

Apostrophes can cause trouble, especially when it comes to distinguishing between its (possessive pronoun) and it's (contraction for "it is"). For example:

Incorrect: It's tail seemed particularly fluffy today.
Correct: The cat chased its tail around the room.

7. Subject-Verb Agreement Errors

Ensuring singular subjects have singular verbs and plural subjects have plural verbs can be trickier than it sounds, especially with collective nouns. For example:

Incorrect: Each cat has their own food bowl.
Correct: Each cat has its own food bowl.

8. Comma Splices and Run-on Sentences

Joining two independent clauses with a comma without a conjunction is a common error that disrupts the flow of writing. For example:

Incorrect: "I went for a walk, it was a beautiful day."
Correct: "I went for a walk, and it was a beautiful day."

9. Incorrect Tense Usage

Shifting tenses mid-sentence or using the wrong tense can confuse readers and alter the timeline of events described. For example:

Incorrect: "I woke up this morning, realized I forgot my lunch, and run to the store to buy a sandwich."
Correct: "I woke up this morning, realized I forgot my lunch, and ran to the store to buy a sandwich."

10. Less vs. Fewer

Using "less" for countable items (when it should be "fewer") is a mistake often seen even in professional signage and advertising.

While mastering the intricacies of English grammar can be daunting, awareness of these common pitfalls is the first step toward clearer, more effective communication. For example:

Incorrect: "There are less jobs in today's market."
Correct: "There are fewer jobs in today's market."

References: 30 Common Grammar Mistakes to Avoid | 30 of the Most Common Grammatical Errors We All Need to Stop Making | 99 most common grammar mistakes